McKinley, 23, was a second-year professional who was on the team's injured reserve list. He played in eight games as a rookie in 2009 with seven kick returns for 158 yards.

"Everyone with the Broncos is shocked and saddened by the loss of Kenny McKinley," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said in a statement. "He was part of the Broncos' family and will be greatly missed by our organization. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Kenny's family and friends."

Notable Deaths: The Decade in Memoriam

A fifth-round draft choice in 2009 out of South Carolina, McKinley remains the school's all-time leading receiver with 207 catches for 2,781 yards.

Several Broncos players were attending a fundraiser Monday night in honor of Darrent Williams, their teammate who was killed in a drive-by shooting on Jan. 1, 2007.

Three months later, Broncos backup running back Damien Nash collapsed and died after a charity basketball game in St. Louis in March 2007.